Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM 1-to-1 Macro Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras
by Canon
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: CanonModel: 100mm f/2.8L IS Macro
Product features:
- 100mm lens with f2.8 aperture
- Canon's first mid-telephoto macro "L" series lens to include Canon's sophisticated Image Stabilization
- Near-silent Ultrasonic focusing
- Enjoy life-size close-up capabilities without an adapter
- Compatible with 67mm filters
- 67mm UV Filter
- Nissin Di622 Speedlight for Canon Digital SLR Cameras, Guide number 145
- Tiffen 67mm Digital Ultra Clear Water White Protection Filter
- AmazonBasics Lens Pen Cleaning System
- Corel Photo & Video Pro X3 Bundle [Old Version]
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM 1-to-1 Macro Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras
Customer Review: A redesign worth the upgrade
Summary: 5 Stars
The Canon 100mm f/2.8 USM macro is a lovely lens already, and Canon would need to significantly improve on it to make any owner of this lens consider selling in order to upgrade to the new L version. The new Canon 100mm f/2.8 L USM macro lens with image stabilization fits the bill and this particular 100mm macro owner, at least, decided to upgrade. I rented this lens at first to try out the new features, as my older 100mm lens is one of my most-coveted, most-used lenses, and I didn't want to give up on it simply because there was a new kid on the block. After the instant rebates came around I was in a well-enough informed position to make the purchase, and at a good price.
The aforementioned Image Stabilization is very effective in situations where you can't use the tripod, but want to maintain critical focus while working with shallow depth of field. The IS system in this lens, to boot, is an improvement on Canon's IS system found in other earlier lenses - Hybrid IS, a system which is particularly tuned to the demands of macro photography; I've tested this with the new lens and it's amazing what I can successfully capture handheld that previously absolutely necessitated a tripod. You can get the same results handheld now with approximately 3-4 less stops of light than you could previously. This perfectly suits my shooting style - I like to roam around, usually sans tripod, and take images in natural surroundings that may not always have the best available light. A relatively slow shutter speed to capture the scene in front of me usually meant I'd have to compensate by ratcheting up the ISO or go wider with the aperture, which are not always or often good compromises, for image quality reasons as well as for reasons of creative choice. The IS is a much welcome feature, and provides more leeway in variable lighting. Also sometimes people complain that the IS is too noisy when in operation; while that can certainly be true (I have a couple of other Canon lenses with IS), I have found that the new IS system in this latest lens is noticeably quieter - I'd call it pretty quiet, even with nothing else to compare it to.
Out of focus highlights - the bokeh - is smooth, smoother than the older version. Images appear very crisp, I'm pleased with the sharpness. The new lens is about an ounce or so heavier than the older one, not so much that you'd really notice. Also the lens, while a L, does not have the same build appearance as other L lenses - it is not hefty and metallic, and cream-colored. That doesn't bother me so much, but others more invested in the distinctive look of Canon L lenses might care. The lens body itself is sleek (compared to the rather portly older model) and has a nice matte black finish which you can handle easily - I don't quite know how to describe it - it doesn't have the usual "slippery" metal feel to it, so you don't feel like you might drop it if you aren't careful. Because it's an L, it comes with a lens hood; I always get hoods for my lenses, so I love it when a lens has one included!
One thing that is an interesting feature is that there are three settings for the Autofocus limiter (the older lens has two). It's basically there to help speed the AF in finding its optimal focus depending on which camera-to-subject distance you are shooting with - anywhere from strictly close up (.3 to .5 meter of distance) to full range. I'm still trying to figure out what real time difference it makes to choose between the .3m-to-infinity limiter and .5m-to-infinity limiter, but I assume it must make some difference for Canon to have included the additional option. Early days yet, I'll figure it out.
All in all - not every lens redesign results in a lens worth ditching an old model for, especially when the upgrade entails a bit more cost. But the new 100mm macro L is very much worth the upgrade, and the IS is a welcome addition to Canon's most popular macro option. Now if they'll just put IS in the 180mm...
I will also add that I made this particular purchase through the Marketplace seller J&R. I had no problems with them - delivery was swift and the item was well-packed.
More Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM 1-to-1 Macro Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras reviews:
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Description of Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM 1-to-1 Macro Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras
The 100mm f/2.8L Macro Lens is Canon's mid-telephoto macro lens to include Canon's sophisticated Image Stabilization. With the highest quality optics available, combined with near-silent Ultrasonic focusing and life-size close-up capabilities without an adapter, the EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM is simply unrivalled.
This is the first lens on the market to incorporate Canon's Hybrid Image Stabilization Technology. Hybrid IS effectively compensates for both angular and shift camera shake during close-up shooting. The lens was developed to expand users' photographing range and allow a wider range of users to easily enjoy macro photography.
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